Public defender's office cuts jobs and budget

Due to a smaller budget than originally expected, the state public defender's office says it will have to cut jobs and many expenses. Four-and-a-quarter million dollars in cuts was voted-on by the Public Defender Standards Council to get within the 35.4 million dollar amount granted by the Legislature for the next fiscal year.

Officials say the majority of the cutbacks will result in the elimination of 41 full-time positions, and all part-time jobs. To also meet the tighter budget, across the board cuts in operating expenses is expected.